On Tuesday February 17, 2026, the Paramount Chief of the Atebubu Traditional Area, HRM Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah, intensified highlevel consultations with the Ministry of Defence as plans advance toward establishing a military barracks in Atebubu. In a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, at The Square, he underscoredthe determination of his paramountcy to make strategic contributions towards government’snational security and infrastructure agenda.
During the meeting, Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah reaffirmed that the Atebubu Paramount Stool had already allocated some 250 acres of land to the Ghana Armed Forces following feasibility studies conducted by the Southern Command. He emphasized that the land is strategically located and developmentready.
Beyond the military infrastructure, the Paramount Chief used the engagement to spotlight the wider development potential of Atebubu. He outlined opportunities in agribusiness, transport, and essential utilities, which are all sectors whose growth could be catalysed by the presence of a military base. The expansive agricultural landscape of Atebubu, he argued, positions it as a natural hub for largescale agribusiness ventures such as poultry farming and processing, which could stimulate local economic activity while contributing to national food security. Theseproposals reflect a strategic vision to leverage defence infrastructure for broader socioeconomic transformation.
Responding to the Paramount Chief, Hon. Brogya Genfi situated the Atebubu proposal within the wider defence modernization agenda of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. The government, he said, is pursuing a policy to establish military barracks in every region, with the aim to strengthen national security, improve rapid response capabilities, and strengthen the decentralization of military training and presence across the country.
He further disclosed that President Mahama has directed that new regional barracks incorporate airstrip facilities to enhance mobility and operational readiness, confirming that Atebubu has been mentioned among the locations under consideration for this integrated model.
Hon. Brogya Genfi expressed appreciation for Ohempon’s proactive leadership and timely release of land, describing it as a critical enabler of the progress of the project. He announced plans for an official visit to the Atebubu Traditional Area in March, during which the Ministry will perform the customary rites required to formally accept the land
Ohempon welcomed the assurance of the visit and indicated the readiness of Nananom and people of Atebubu to receive the team from the Ministry.
